The EPOCH-RRT project is a patient-centered study that identified factors influencing the selection of the two most common dialysis modalities used to manage kidney failure. Findings provide practical information to patients and caregivers, with the goal to empower them to play an active role in decision-making at this pivotal transition in their lives.

The project is part of a portfolio of patient-centered clinical effectiveness research that addresses the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute’s (PCORI) National Priorities for Research and Research Agenda.

The project leveraged the existing infrastructure of the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) and Peritoneal DOPPS (PDOPPS), large international cohort studies of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients, to compare patient-centered outcomes.

The inclusion of patients, caregivers, and patient advocacy organizations as research partners in this project ensured that the study addresses those questions of greatest relevance to patients facing the need for dialysis. Using results from the study, Arbor Research Collaborative for Health and its partners have developed a decision aid and tested decision-making outcomes among patients with kidney failure facing the selection of dialysis modality. 

To learn more about this project, visit the study website at http://choosingdialysis.org/